£10k, 15-20k p/a, what would you choose?

[Yegap]

Hi all

Need a new car for a new job - 55 mile round trip with about 70% of it on the M4 and the rest in stop start traffic. Couple of points:

- Diesel or petrol? The mileage could go up to 20k with various visits to see family and girlfriend across differing parts of the country but is most likely to sit around 16k I reckon.
- Thinking automatic to make the stop start traffic a bit more bearable.
- Lease or used? If used I'd be tempted to get a loan for £10k and pay it off monthly with the incredibly cheap debt finance so the monthly expense would probably be similar under either option... Would just be interested to hear some other opinions even though I know it's a bit subjective. New doesn't seem to make financial sense given the mileage.
- Really would prefer a hatchback.

Initially thinking of something like a DSG Scirocci/Golf or even a Leon (some decent lease deals about on the 1.4 EcoTSI).

Any thoughts appreciated - thanks.

[Yegap]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Honestly it sounds great BUT I really need a hatchback as the driveway does not have the length for an estate let alone a saloon. Very unfortunate.

[Willy Nilly]

I used to do 500+ miles a week in a Skoda Favorit. So, 24 years on you'll probably need a brand new 7 series with all the toys to undertake such arduous journeys. I'd do it in my Jazz without thinking about it.

[Yegap]

A GTD is a decent shout actually. They seem like pretty good value for what you get. Thanks for that.